Create Surface from TIN Error

[nrogers58]

I received a tin file from a surveyor. When I tried to create a surface from it I got an error I have not seen before. See attached.  Also attached are the files I received from the surveyor.  I have asked him to correct but he is being unresponsive.  

Why do I get the error?

What is a pnt file?

Is there a way to post process the tin file to make it work with Civil 3D.

According to surveyor, "

I’m not sure why you encountered an error while attempting to externally reference my drawing. My hunch is that there is a compatibility issue between Carlson and Autodesk that is hindering the reference. When I sent the .tin file and the .txt file I imagined you building the surface in your own drawing so you wouldn’t have to externally reference my .dwg.

I can do neither what he is suggesting nor what I normally do to create a surface from a tin.

Thanks

Neal

[nrogers58]

The surveyor just sent two text files. These did not do the trick.  Seems like I need to post process these files.

Thanks

'Neal

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

I would ask the surveyor if he can export the surface to an xml file. Yes you can probably recreate the surface but if he flipped faces or did not use certain points then the surfaces would not be identical. If you use the stuff he sent, you could be flipping faces all day to get what his intent was.

[jeff_rivers]

Those look like pretty typical PNEZD files. The data is in the format

1. Point number
2. Northing
3. Easting
4. Z-Elevation
5. Description.  

You don't need to do any post-processing.  Use the Point Creation tools, (Home -> Create Ground Data -> Points -> Point Creation Tools -> Import Points) set it up to import PNEZD, Comma Delimited, and let 'er rip.  

[jeff_rivers]

Adding: The point import tool is very finicky, if the data in the text file is not formatted exactly as it should be, then it'll quit without giving an error message.  There can't be any extra data, just the point information, delimited by (in your case) commas.  

[nrogers58]

but can i tie grading objects to the surface if I use xml?

[TerryDotson · Accepted solution]

The Civil3D Create Surface from TIN process expects a Land Desktop TIN file which always was accompanied by a PNT (points) file.  There are numerous other applications (Bentley, Carlson) that produce a TIN file and they are all binary and all different.  As others have pointed out, ask for a LandXML file.  If the source is not willing, post the Carlson TIN file and I should be able to make a surface from it.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

If the surveyor isn't co-operating, here's what you can do. Open the drawing you have in your zip file. Isolate the TRI_LINES layer. Create a surface and add all those tinn lines as break lines under Definition.  You will have to adjust your contour settings to half footers since that is the intervals the surveyor is using.

[rl_jackson · Accepted solution]

Yes there are ISSUES between Carlson and C3D, request that the Surveyor provide you with an XML file of the surface, problem solved! I work in an office with transition, from Carlson to C3D right now. I have first hand experience on the many ways the Carlson can JACK UP a C3D file.